Canteen Assemblyman installs Led street lights, repairs dysfunctional one's

Canteen Assemblyman installs Led street lights, repairs dysfunctional one's

As part of effort to improve the security and poor lightening situation in some notable areas of the Canteen community at night, the Assemblyman for the Canteen Electoral Area in West Gonja Municipal, Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham, has installed new Led street lamps across the electoral area.

Alongside the installation of the new LED Street Lights, the Assemblyman also successfully carried out repair works on a number of dysfunctional street lights in the area.

In all, ten(10) new LED streets were installed and about twelve (12) dysfunctional successfully repaired so far.

The exercise is being carried out across notable areas in the electoral area, including Agric Settlement, Brigade Line, St. Anne's Residential Area, Abakura area and Canteen township with the hope of expansion to cover the other communities.

The repair works the Assemblyman noted, is an ongoing process and the target at the end of the day is to fix not less than 30 dysfunctional street lights in the electoral area.

In brief remarks, the Assemblyman said the exercise was his own small way of augmenting the effort of the Municipal Assembly to improve the security situation in the area and provide solace to school going children who rely on the street lights for their night group studies.

It was his hope that an improved street lightening system will keep people safe to conduct their economic and social activities at night, curb reptiles attack and drastically reduce theft cases in the electoral area.

He said it took him more than six months to gather the resources and materials for the installation/repair exercise, pledging to maintain the momentum into the future.

The passionate Assemblyman used the opportunity to call on the Municipal Assembly to work on dysfunctional street lights along the principal streets of the Municipality in order to improve the security situation in the town and keep residents secured to go about their night activities.

Residents of the beneficiary communities thanked the Assemblyman for the kind gesture, urging him to keep up the good work he was doing for the Canteen Electoral Area at large.

Source: Office of Assemblyman, Canteen

Dr. Bawumia has abondoned his responsibilities at seat of gov't, he's subject of ridicule in Savannah Region - NDC

Dr. Bawumia has abondoned his responsibilities at seat of gov't, he's subject of ridicule in Savannah Region - NDC

The Communications wing of the National Democratic Congress in the Savannah Region has impeached the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana and head of Ghana's Economic Management Team,Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for deserting his core responsibilities at the seat of government in a wild and profiligate chase of votes.

In a press conference covered by blogger, Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham, the Regional Communications Officer of the party, R.A Jalil said the NDC has consistently highlighted the deteriorating living standards of the people of the region, resulting from poorly conceived economic policies and social interventions by the super incompetent NPP led Nana Addo- Bawumia government.

He said Dr. Bawumia has become a subject of ridicule in the Savannah Region due to his deceptive tendencies towards traditional authorities, women and youth groups alike, coupled with his government's numerous failed unfulfilled promises in the region.

The communications officer charged Dr. Bawumia to direct his energies towards addressing the urgent plight of flood victims at Buipe and provide appropriate responses to the ten solid questions the communications bureau tabled before him.

Read full statement below:

PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSING TEN FUNDAMENTAL QUESTIONS REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESS OF THE SAVANNAH REGION, SEEKING RESPONSES FROM BAWUMIA, AS STATED BY THE NDC

On behalf of the Regional Chairman Alhaji Seidu Moro and the Chairman of the Communication Committee, Hon, John Abdulai Jinapor, I extend a warm welcome to everyone present. We are delighted to have NDC regional and constituency executives, passionate NDC supporters,members of the media, and esteemed guests joining us for this significant occasion.

It is an honor to welcome each one of you who has accepted the invitation extended by the NDC Savannah Regional Communication Bureau to join us for this press conference.

I would like to take a moment to express our gratitude to the media houses present here, each of whom has graciously agreed to cover this event. We appreciate the presence of TV3, JoyNews, CitiTv/CitiFM, Adom TV/FM, and the representative from Ghanaweb.

Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the dedicated teams from Nkilgi FM, transmitting live from Bole; Kasha FM, broadcasting from Damongo, the regional capital; Magyk FM, bringing live coverage from Salaga; and Jakpa FM, airing live from Buipe. Your live feeds from these locations greatly enhance the reach and impact of this event.

To our friends from the media, esteemed guests, ladies, and gentlemen, your presence here is truly appreciated.

Ladies and Gentlemen, The need for today's press conference arises from the economic challenges imposed upon the residents of the Savannah region by the NPP government and its Economic Management Team, led by Dr. Bawumia. 

Within the Savannah region, the NDC has consistently highlighted the deteriorating living standards resulting from the poorly conceived economic policies and social interventions of the NPP and Dr. Bawumia. 

Recently, the NDC in the Savannah region extended a cordial invitation to Dr. Bawumia, urging him to respond to ten pertinent questions.

Surprisingly, rather than tackling the ten vital questions regarding the development and welfare of the people in the Savannah region, Dr. Bawumia abandoned his responsibilities at the seat of government. 

He utilized state resources and taxpayers' money to concentrate on his campaign activities in the Savannah region, all in the name of canvassing for votes to become flagbearer of the divided New Patriotic Party.

Friends from the media, before we reecho the ten vital questions demanding urgent answers from Dr. Bawumia, it is worthy to note that the presence of Dr. Bawumia in the Savannah region was needlessly and only intensified the pain inflicted on the good people of the savannah region as a result of the abnormal and throat-cutting economic and social policies of the NPP government spearheaded by Dr. Bawumia.

Noticeably, Dr. Bawumia initiated his regional tour in Buipe. Despite the distressing situation faced by the recent flood victims in Central Gonja, specifically Buipe, Dr. Bawumia chose not to spare a few moments during his Buipe visit to express empathy towards the flood victims. This inhumane decision of Dr. bawumia was made despite the pleas for assistance from significant figures in the region, such as Buipewura, who had specifically requested government support prior to Dr. Bawumia's arrival. Instead, Dr. Bawumia luxuriously drove through the principal streets of Buipe, recklessly met with his party members to seek votes, and irresponsibly departed from the town without dedicating even a brief moment of his visit to show solidarity with the distressed flood victims.

Another significant incident highlighting the unnecessary nature of Dr. Bawumia's visit to the Savannah region was his arrogant refusal of the invitation extended by the King and Overlord of the Gonja State to attend the annual Yagbon Damba. It is public knowledge that Dr. Bawumia's decision to avoid the Yagbon Damba stemmed from his attempt to evade the ten pertinent questions raised by the NDC in the Savannah region.

Furthermore, it has become widely known 

that Dr. Bawumia has become a subject of ridicule in the Savannah region due to his tendency to deceive traditional leaders, women, and the youth in the region, coupled with his government's numerous unfulfilled promises.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to invoke the words attributed to the legendary reggae icon, Bob Marley, and assert unequivocally to Dr. Bawumia that "He can run, but he cannot hide."

It is crucial to emphasize that the 10 questions raised by the NDC, demanding Dr. Bawumia's urgent attention and response, must be reiterated. 

It has become evident from his needless regional tour in the Savannah region that once again, he notoriously evaded providing answers to these questions, reinforcing the urgency of his response.

Question Nine: Why is the Buipe Shea Processing Factory not operational, even though it could have provided employment and an alternative livelihood for the people of Buipe?

Question Ten: What is the current state of the East Gonja Municipal Hospital, a facility promised by Dr. Bawumia?

Ladies and Gentlemen of the press, these questions underscore the urgent need for accountability and transparency regarding the NPP government's promises and actions in the Savannah region. 

And it must be on record that if Dr. Bawumia fails once again to respond to these crucial issues 

affecting the savannah region, the NDC in the savannah region will speak in a language that the NPP and its deceitful leaders understand best.

I thank you all for coming!

R. A Jalilu

Regional Communications Officer, S/R

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

Derby as teachers lock horns with health workers in friendly football match to commemorate world teachers day

Derby as teachers lock horns with health workers in friendly football match to commemorate world teachers day

It was a pure derby at the Damongo Astro Turf where workers in the inky fraternity - teachers, locked horns with their counterparts in the health sector in a Corporate Friendly Football Match to mark this year's International World Teachers Day Celebration.

The football match which was treated like a European Cup final by supporters of both sides was organized by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Northern Region in collaboration with the West Gonja GNAT District to celebrate teachers on the occasion of this year's International World Teachers Day Celebration under the theme, "The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: The Global Imperative to Reverse the Teacher Shortage".

At the end of regulation time, it was a 1:1 draw though, the teachers protested for a win following a somewhat last minute overruled penalty decision, but referee Faiza Jakpa says, 'This is not the classroom. This is the field of play and I have the final say'.

Special Guest of honor, who doubles as the father of education (Municipal Director of Education) in the West Gonja Municipal, Mr. Akey Ferguson used the occasion to commend all teachers for the invaluable contributions they were making towards shaping the future and the human resource base of the country.

He said teaching was the mother of all professions, urging the teachers to take pride in the fact that they were playing an essential role in nurturing the social, moral and intellectual domains of pupils towards building an equitable society.

Touching on the theme for this year's celebration, he said efforts were being made through the Director General of Education to address the teacher gap across all the levels and that, teachers in this noble profession must be encouraged to stay and contribute their quota to the development of this great nation of ours.

He urged all teachers in the Municipality and beyond to remain disciplined and committed in service and put up their best in improving learning outcomes in our schools for the nation demands more of them.

Supporting the Special Guest of honor and providing moral support to her side was Madam Gertrude Yentumi, Municipal Director of Ghana Health Service.

The Northern Regional GNAT Secretary, Mr. Le Roy Mac Nara, said on this occasion of International World Teachers Day, the biggest teacher union, GNAT appreciates all teachers for the unwavering commitment to the service of mother Ghana.

He said the Ghana National Association of Teachers recognizes the important role teachers play in shaping the future, urging government and all stakeholders to take concrete steps to prevent the migration of teachers from Ghana to other higher income countries.

According to him, the GNAT offers several welfare services to teachers, including the Credit Mall initiative, which will soon be available to the other professions.

Present for this all important occasion also were the Credit Mall Manager, Mr. Fusheini; National Executive Member of GNAT, Mama Joyce; front liners of education in the host Municipality, several chiefs, teachers and opinion leaders.

World Teachers’ Day also known as International Teachers Day, was established by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation in 1994.

It is observed on October 5 each year, to acknowledge the essential role teachers play in nurturing the intellectual, moral and social development of students, in building a better and more equitable world.

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

Salaga South MP supports celebration of 'International Day of the Girl Child' with call on gov't to scrap 15% Sanitary pad tax

Salaga South MP supports celebration of 'International Day of the Girl Child' with call on gov't to scrap 15% Sanitary pad tax

The Member of Parliament for the Salaga South Constituency in the Savannah Region, Hajia Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahima has extended logistical support to the East Gonja Municipal Education Directorate to aid the directorate celebrate this year's edition of the International Day of the Girl Child.

Celebrated annually on the 11th of October, the International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on highlighting the needs and challenges of the girl child and finding ways to promote girls empowerment and fulfilment of their human rights. 

The only female legislator in the Savannah Region in responding to an appeal from the Municipal Girls' Education Unit of the GES supported the sensitization exercise for selected female pupils organized by the Municipal Education Directorate with Seven boxes of Sanitary pads, water and other osorted items to aid this year's celebration. 

Donating the items on behalf of the MP, the NDC Constituency Executives led by the Constituency Chairman, Haruna Abdul Aziz pledged the commitment of the Member of Parliament towards empowering, inspiring and uplifting the education of girls in the Municipality.

He disclosed that about 64% of the MP's annual bursary for tertiary students had always been channeled towards female students with an advanced intention by the MP to explore more avenues to continue to support the education of the girl child in pursuit of higher education.

The Member of Parliament used the occasion to launch a passionate appeal on government to heed to the many calls from the public to remove the 15 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on menstrual hygiene products(Sanitary pads and Tampons) to make them more affordable to the girl child and help eliminate some of barriers hindering the education of many girls across the country.

The Municipal Girl Child Education Officer, Madam Wecheng Amanda who led the celebration under the theme, "Our time is now, our rights, our future", expressed profound gratitude to the Member of Parliament for the continuous and timely support.

She said as part of activities marking the 2023 celebration, the directorate earlier on organized a float along the principal streets of Salaga aimed at creating awareness on girls' right and gender equality, alongside a role play on the dangers of earlier marriages and to cap it all, a debate on why parents must invest in the education of the girl child.

The compassionate female educator called on all stakeholders to continue to play their roles in securing the future of the girl child through accessible and quality education.

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

NDC must win all seven parliamentary seats in Savannah Region - John Jinapor

NDC must win all seven parliamentary seats in Savannah Region - John Jinapor

The Member of Parliament for the Yapei-Kusawgu Constituency and Ranking Member on Parliament's Mines and Energy Committee, John Abdulai Jinapor has charged members of the opposition National Democratic Congress across the various constituencies in the Savannah Region to work tirelessly to enable the party secure all the seven parliamentary seats in the infant region. 

This he said, was very necessary to consolidate  the much anticipated victory of the NDC in 2024 and enable the incoming president of the Republic, John Dramani Mahama to run a smooth and effective administration.

Addressing participants at the maiden meeting of the Savannah Regional Communications Committee of the NDC under his chairmanship, the astute legislator indicated his readiness to support the work of the committee and by extension the communication wing of the party with the needed resources and logistics to function effectively.

He graciously congratulated members of the committee on their well deserved appointment and successful swearing in and used the occasion to commend the communications bureau of the party in the region for their many years of dedicated and loyal service in branding the party. 

The chairman cum legislator called on all members of the party in the region to remain united and rally all energies and synergies towards delivering a resounding victory for the party in 2024.

The Savannah Regional Chairman of the party, Alhaji Imoro Seidu, affectionately known as 'Man Blessing' commended the Regional Communications Team for the good works so far and emphasized the importance of research in modern day communication.

He was deeply thankful to the Yapei-Kusawgu Member of Parliament, who doubles as the Savannah Regional Communications committee Chairman for all the support he has been rendering to the party in region and beyond.

He called on all party members in the region to remain united in order to write down the failed Akufo-Addo-Bawumiah government as the worst ever in the history of the fourth Republic come 2024.

The 1st Deputy National Communications Officer of the party, Malik Basintale added his voice to the need for a stronger coordination and synergy among the various wings of the party to achieve the collective goal of rescuing Ghana from the shackles of mismanagement and corruption experienced under the current regime.

He said national was committed to effectively resourcing the communications wing and indeed, all the structures of the party towards the execution of their mandate in 2024.

The Savannah Regional Communications Officer, R.A Jalil thanked all participants for availing themselves for the dialogue session and making useful inputs towards the execution of the communications strategy for the region.

On behalf of members of the Communications Committee, he expressed profound gratitude to the chairman of Regional Communications committee for facilitating the stakeholder dialogue and expanding the meeting to include Constituency Communications Officers and their deputies.

The dialogue series, which took place at the John Abdulai Jinapor Conference Hall in the Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region, saw members of the Communications Committee in the region and Constituency Communication Officers and their deputies coming together to contribute rich ideas and experiences towards shaping and positioning the communications wing of the party as a necessary tool for the task ahead of 2024. 

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

Buipe is in serious crisis following recent floods, efforts underway to relocate victims - Buipewura Jinapor

Buipe is in serious crisis following recent floods, efforts underway to relocate victims - Buipewura Jinapor

Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor 11, the Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area in the Central Gonja District and president of the Buipe Traditional Council has bemoaned the sorry economic and social conditions of the people of Buipe following the recent flood that displaced many residents and caused substantial damage to properties.

According to him, the people of Buipe are helpless now and life can simply be described as 'unbearable' for affected residents, since economic activities have come to a standstill. This he said, has left the town in serious crisis with residents in urgent need of food aid among other forms of support.

Addressing the media during a tour to the flood affected areas, the Paramount Chief disclosed that plans were far advanced to relocate people living in flood prone areas in the district to a yet-to-be cleared site, adding that, "those who already have accomodation permits will not pay anything, aside the cost of clearing the field". 

The Buipewura used the occasion to admonish residents to desist from using the flood water as a source of drinking water since it could be contaminated and full of reptiles.

He launched a passionate appeal to government, NGO's, civil society organizations, the clergy, mosques and the international community to hear the cry of the people of Buipe for survival in this trying times and come to their urgent attention.

The District Chief Executive for Central Gonja, Iddrisu Salia Kamara, revealed that this was not the first time Buipe was witnessing such floods, even though, this years incident was very intensive and deeply worrying.

He said there were ongoing discussions between government and the traditional authority to permanently relocate the affected victims.

According to him, even though, the cause of the recent flooding which has wrecked a lot of havock was not immediately known, it is suspected that the recent heavy downpours and overflow of neighboring river banks could be attributing factors.

He called on the people of Buipe to remain calm and be wary of reptiles in this difficult times, whilst government take steps to address the challenges.

The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) had already reported that the recent flood has affected approximately 1,500 residents in Buipe with at least 800 individuals forcefully displaced.

A total of 300 houses, numerous educational institutions, shops and other businesses have been submerged in water completely, posing severe economic challenges to the people.

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

NPP cannot claim undue credit for John Mahama's projects in Savannah Region - NDC

NPP cannot claim undue credit for John Mahama's projects in Savannah Region - NDC

The Savannah Regional wing of the National Democratic Congress has called out the ruling New Patriotic Party and the Nana Addo - Bawumiah government for what they describe as the penchant to always claim undue credit for projects initiated and completed by former president John Dramani Mahama in the region.

In a news release copied to blogger, Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham, the Regional Communications Officer of the party, R.A Jalil said the recent attempt by the failed NPP led administration to accuse president John Dramani Mahama of turning the Damba festivals organized across the Savannah Region in recent times to political platforms falls flat in the face of logic.

According to him, projects such as the Mpaha Community Day S.H.S,Buipe Accident and Emergency Centre, Ntereso Water Plant, Buipe Savacem among others have been made possible through the effort of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama.

He said John Dramani Mahama is a royal son of the Savannah Region with a very solid track record in the areas of health, education, infrastructural development, livelihood empowerment among others and reserve the right to any social event in Gonjaland.

Read full statement below:

For Immediate Release.

10th October, 2023.

RE-JOHN MAHAMA’s CONTINUES POLARIZATION OF GONJA CULTURE: A RECIPE FOR BAD PRECEDENCE AND A SIGN OF DESPERATION.

My attention has been drawn to a statement authored by the regional secretary of the NPP S/R, lamenting on why H.E John Dramani Mahama the incoming President of the Republic of Ghana honoured the invitations to the 2023 Damba festival organised across the entire Gonja kingdom.

The regional secretary of the NPP S/R accused the NDC of turning the events into political platforms. The secretary did not specify how the NDC politicized the festival, raising questions about the criticism.

Excitedly, the reignited show of support and love for Mahama in his home region has caused unease within the NPP, but the question remains: why does honoring festival invitations lead to discomfort for others?

Mr. Issah Mohammed should focus on reconciling with his chairman instead of making unnecessary and unfounded statements.

Regarding their "tramadol" induced statement:

Firstly, the NDC and John Mahama attended all major Damba invitations without violating any agreed terms with political parties. Vice President Bawumia was also invited to the Yagbon Damba but declined due to 10 questions posed by the NDC that required his response.

Furthermore, H.E. Mahama was invited as a respected Prince in Gonjaland, and during his speech, He addressed national issues as a statesman. Similarly, if Bawumia had attended, he wouldn't have sung his childhood methodist hymns but discussed national concerns. Why then criticize Mahama for speaking responsibly?

Without reservation, if any political party owes Gonjalanders an apology for disrespecting our chiefs, it is the NPP. They shamelessly branded calabashes used in the 2019 Damba at the Jakpa palace with NPP-branded apparel, a clear sign of disrespect and desperation. Have they issued an apology for this? It seems the NPP conveniently forgets their actions.

Let me dive into the raised issues! It's astonishing that despite increasing our public debt from 120 million to nearly 600 million in just seven years, the NPP has little to show for it. Instead, they seize every chance to claim credit for projects initiated by H.E John Mahama.

MPAHA MAHAMA E-BLOCK

The Mpaha community day SHS affectionately called Mahama E-block will continue to be one of Mahama’s legacies across the breadth and length of this country and the NPP cannot take that away from him. This facility after its completion was left at the mercy of the weather and a breeding habitat for grass cutters and squirrels. It took same Mahama to move to the premises of the school and called on government to operationalized the abandoned facility.

E-blocks were promised by John Mahama and delivered by him. Facts are sacred and sacrosanct!

BUIPE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY CENTER 

On 1st January 2017, President John Mahama cut sod for the construction of five new ultra-modern district hospitals and a Polyclinic in Ghana. The loan facility was secured on March, 2016. The sod-cutting ceremony took place at Weta in the Ketu North District of the Volta Region.

Report of the finance committee on the export credit facility agreement between the government of the Republic of Ghana and Raiffeiseeen Bank international AG of Austria for an amount of up to Seventy Seven Million, Nine hundred and Thirty Five Thousand Euros (77,935,000.00 Euros) for the design, construction, equipping and furnishing of five new district/ general hospital in Somanya, Buipe, Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, Weta, Toulon and one Polyclinic at Bamboi.

The apostles of reading can’t just goggle for this simple information. Mr Issah should tell us when the NPP government secured a loan for those facilities.

NTERESO WATER PLANT CLAIMS:

Mr. Issah admitted in his statement that the facility was actually constructed by John Mahama but it took the irresponsible attitude  of the NPP when they allowed floods to destroy the facility. On 17th August 2015, H.E John Mahama commissioned 4 water plant communities which includes Ntereso, Nyawuripe, Fufulso Junction and Yapei-Yapala.

This plant pumps 100,000 gallons of water daily to the communities.

This was part of the Peri-urban rural and small town water and sanitation project being implemented across the country at a cost of 21 million euros. The propaganda to claim the Ntereso water project has fallen flat!

THE SO CALL MPAHA-SALAGA ROAD:

John Mahama in his statement chastised government for neglecting the Mpaha junction to Mpaha road and that of the Salaga-Makango road. These are roads that were under construction under his regime till Nana Addo took over power and abandoned them completely. The claim that NPP is tarring roads in the district capitals is a figment of his imagination, absolutely nothing is happening in the district capitals of Savannah. It’s a fallacious statement from the secretary.

I dare him to mention a single district that is seeing such tarring.

THE BUIPE SAVACEM

The Savannah cement enjoyed a number of tax waivers during the importation of some equipments of the factory under the leadership of the NDC and has every right to be part of the establishment of the factory. Has the NPP not included in their list of none existing factories companies that were built in the 70s?

Issah Mohammed and his party should apologize unreservedly to Jirah Buipewura Jinapor II for the embarrassment caused his person when the NPP connived with the Dj of the occasion to turn off one of the microphones during the presentation of H.E John Mahama's speech. 

The NPP is by this reminded that HE John Mahama will continue to be the greatest asset and human resource the Gonja Kingdom and all people of Northern extract has ever had in recent times, and as such, no amount of name calling and character assassination will take that away from him.

I want to conclude with a warning to the NPP in Savannah: we are prepared to confront them whenever they resort to their usual verbal attacks against our incoming President.

Signed;

R.A. Jalil

Communication Officer

NDC- Savannah Region

0240998279/0249808911

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

CRIS trains 120 rural farmers in sustainable land use and livelihood empowerment

CRIS trains 120 rural farmers in sustainable land use and livelihood empowerment

As a part of effort to empower rural farmers, especially women, in sustainable land management practices and livelihood empowerment, the Centre for Rural Improvement Services (CRIS) has provided empowerment training for 120 farmers in agroforestry.

The farmers, consisting largely of 80% women, were drawn from Dakompilayiri and Kunkuya in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of the Savannah Region and taken through series of sustainable land use and livelihood interventions.

With full funding from UNDP GEF SGP, the project, launched on 4th August, 2023, has an overall goal of providing sustainable livelihood empowerment opportunities to the rural farmers, whilst making effort to conserve the fast fragile environment within the Savannah ecological zone.

The Executive Director of the Centre for Rural Improvement Services (CRIS), Amos Mahama Seidu, emphasized the importance of sustainable land management towards the future prospects of rural farmers, especially women, since a depletion of the land means these groups of vulnerable people will be totally cut off from possible sources of livelihood - farming, hunting and gathering.

He stressed on the need to sustain the project beyond the implementation window.

The farmers were registered into groups of 20 members during the inception training of the project, comprising six women VSLAs, two Widow's VSLAs,two men groups and six existing VSLAs cooperatives.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to this reporter on the sidelines of the training program expressed profound gratitude to the donors UNDP GEF SGP)for the intervention.

They believe it will go a long way to empower them to be self relient whilst adopting measures to conserve the common environment for future farming and other purposes.

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

CRIS organises farmer field schools and trains 90 farmers in climate smart cashew Plantation in Dakompilayiri & Kunkuya

CRIS organises farmer field schools and trains 90 farmers in climate smart cashew Plantation in Dakompilayiri & Kunkuya

Centre for Rural Improvement Services(CRIS), a Non-Governmental Organization based in Damongo in the West Gonja Municipal of the Savannah Region has trained 90 farmers in Climate smart Cashew Plantation Strategies under its Farmer Field schools( FFS) program.

The beneficiary farmers who were drawn from the two communities in Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of the Savannah Region also received support under the project to invest in Integrated Climate Smart Cashew Plantation.

Under the Farmer Field School which is a farmer-centered and participatory approach to learning various farming practices, farmers are organized into groups to meet regularly with their facilitators to observe, talk, ask questions and learn together.

It is sometimes called, "School without Walls" geared towards equipping the farmers with a lot of practical experiences and also used in Non Farm Income Generation activities such as handicraft.

A total of 1600 cashew seedlings were supplied to the farmers with full ploughing cost for 15 hectors of farm land under the project to empower the farmers into more production.

The Zonal Agric Extension Officer, Mr. Hakim Seidu who led the training took the farmers through various stages of Climate Resilient Strategies and good Agroforestry practices and encouraged them to take advantage of the support package provided under the project to increase their production and promote climate resilience.

The Executive Director for the Centre for Rural Improvement Services (CRIS), Mr.Amos Mahama said the farmers must be smart in exploring the various climatic conditions towards sustainable cashew production and livelihood enhancement.

He stressed the importance of Cashew production in enhancing the economic livelihood of the people of the area, adding that, Cashew production has become a viable alternative for climate conservation and livelihood improvement in rural areas. 

The enthusiastic farmers, who were elated about the intervention thanked CRIS and its partners(UNDP), Small Grants Global Environmental Facility  (SGP GEF) for coming to their aid with such a timely project.

They said the project in the long run, was going to change the economic and livelihood fortunes of farmers in the beneficiary communities, whilst conserving the climate for sustainable future use

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

Small holder farmers receive training on groundnut production and VSLA concept at Sawla

Small holder farmers receive training on groundnut production and VSLA concept at Sawla

Small holder farmers in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of the Savannah Region have received intensive training in groundnut and cowpea production under the Climate Smart Agroforestry System. During the training, new members were registered into cooperatives with an indepth review of their constitutions.

The Climate Smart Agroforestry System, initiated by Centre for Rural Improvement Services (CRIS) with funding from UNDP also saw rural farmers receive empowerment training in beekeeping and apiary management under Agro Forestry Farms.

Drawn from Kunkuya and Dakompilayiri in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District, the farmers received a lifetime boost with many pledging to go into commercial cashew production and beekeeping.

At the end of the training, 2,400 cashew seedlings and 60 beehives were supplied to the farmers by way of aiding them to start effective production. 

The Executive Director for Centre for Rural Improvement Services (CRIS), Mr. Amos Mahama encouraged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the project to improve their livelihoods, whilst making effort to protect the environment through climate smart practices.

He said the sustainance of the project will depend on how the farmers utilize the existing interventions towards self empowerment and community development, adding that, "there is more in the pipeline Small holder farmers receive training on groundnut production and VSLA concept

According to him, Cashew production and beekeeping are becoming viable economic ventures capable redefining the destinies of communities and empowering the rural farmers to be self dependent.

Beneficiary farmers expressed gratitude to UNDP for funding the interventions, which they describe as timely and worthwhile.

They pledge to make effective and good use of the project to enhance their livelihoods whilst encouraging UNDP to expand the intervention to reach more farmers.

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

NDC Savannah Regional Communications committee holds maiden stakeholder engagement with call on members to rally towards victory 2024

NDC Savannah Regional Communications committee holds maiden stakeholder engagement with call on members to rally towards victory 2024

The Savannah Regional Communications Committee of the National Democratic Congress under the Chairmanship of the Member of Parliament for the Yapei-Kusawgu Constituency and Ranking Member on Mines and Energy Committee,John Abdulai Jinapor, has held its maiden stakeholder dialogue with a call on members to effectively rally all energies and synergies towards delivering a resounding victory for the party in 2024.

The dialogue series, which took place at the John Abdulai Jinapor Conference Hall in the Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region, saw members of the Communications Committee in the region and Constituency Communication Officers and their deputies coming together to contribute rich ideas and experiences towards shaping and positioning the communications wing of the party as a necessary tool for the task ahead of 2024. 

Chairman of the Regional Communications Committee and former Deputy Minister of Power, John Jinapor, in a welcome address graciously congratulated members of the committee on their well deserved appointment and successful swearing in and used the occasion to commend all members of the communications wing of the party in the region for the many years of dedication and loyal service in branding the party.

He pledged his unalloyed resolve to effectively resource the committee and by extension, the communications arm of the party with the necessary logistics and resources to execute their mandate of keeping the party alive in the region and securing the much anticipated victory in 2024.

In his strongest conviction, former president John Dramani Mahama, from the general crave of the Ghanaian people, has already won the presidency ahead of the 2024 elections, stressing that, "the task for Savannah Region now was to win all the seven seats to consolidate the victory".

The Savannah Regional Chairman of the party, Alhaji Imoro Seidu, affectionately known as 'Man Blessing' commended the Regional Communications Team for the good works so far and emphasized the importance of research in modern day communication.

He was deeply thankful to the Yapei-Kusawgu Member of Parliament, who doubles as the Savannah Regional Communications committee Chairman for all the support he has been rendering to the party in region and beyond.

He called on all party members in the region to remain united in order to write down the failed Akufo-Addo-Bawumiah government as the worst ever in the history of the fourth Republic come 2024.

The 1st Deputy National Communications Officer of the party, Malik Basintale added his voice to the need for a stronger coordination and synergy among the various wings of the party to achieve the collective goal of rescuing Ghana from the shackles of mismanagement and corruption experienced under the current regime.

He said national was committed to effectively resourcing the communications wing and indeed, all the structures of the party towards the execution of their mandate in 2024.

The Savannah Regional Communications Officer, R.A Jalil thanked all participants for availing themselves for the dialogue session and making useful inputs towards the execution of the communications strategy for the region.

On behalf of members of the Communications Committee, he expressed profound gratitude to the chairman of Regional Communications committee for facilitating the stakeholder dialogue and expanding the meeting to include Constituency Communications Officers and their deputies.

He said the committee has just commenced its work and the region should expect more from his outfit.

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

Damongo : Court instructs popular businessman to vacate disputed land & remove properties;threatens force eviction for noncompliance

Damongo : Court instructs popular businessman to vacate disputed land &  remove properties;threatens force eviction for noncompliance

A District Magistrate Court at Bole in the Savannah Region has in a five paged judgement instructed popular businessman based in Damongo, Gyimah Ibrahim (Keshenteng Bo Afe) to vacate disputed land housing his workshop and remove all properties thereon by 17th August, 2023.

The court further directed the West Gonja Municipal Assembly to remove all nuisance and properties belonging to the bussinesman from the disputed land should he fail to comply with the ruling of the court by the set date and charge the full cost on him.

Presided over by Mr. Edward Essel, the District Magistrate,the court upheld after a long period of trial that the land in dispute was found to be the property of the plaintiff,the Ghana Highways Authority, which had enjoyed undisturbed possession of the parcel of land for over 25 years.

A cost of Ghc2,000.00 was entered for the plaintiff.

Plaintiff institution, the Ghana Highways Authority was in court for a declaration that the disputed parcel of land measuring 1.40 acres lying and situated at Block "A" Ext. East Attributo, Damongo, was a bonafide property of the Ghana Highways, Damongo, in the Savannah Region.

The plaintiff sought an order of ejection of the defendant, Gyimah Ibrahim from the said land and an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendant, his agents, representatives and workers from interfering with the quiet enjoyment of the said land by the plaintiff. 

The defendedant,a professional welder, has been operating his steel factory on the disputed land for several years now and has established other landed property on the said site.

Defendant pleaded not liable to the claims of the plaintiff and counter claimed seeking declaration that the parcel of land measuring 0.50 acres situated and lying at Block "A" Extension, Attributo East, Damongo, was his property.

He further sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the plaintiff,its agents, assigns, workmen and all persons claiming through it from interfering in whatever manner with the ownership, use and possession of the said plot of land.

According to the defendant, he acquired the disputed piece of land from the late Damongo Wura Tutumba 11 in 2013 and has since been paying ground rent to the office of Administrator of Stool Lands. This he proved with documentary evidence.

Both parties gave evidence to support their claims.

The court went on 'Locus in quo on the land with the parties. The physical planning Department filed an extract of the existing Planning scheme of Damongo with the court.

Facts:

The court established that, Damongo is a zoned township with a planning scheme dating back to, at least, 1979.

That, there is a piece of land known and called Ghana Highways Authority land in Damongo.

Also, Ghana Highways Authority is an offshoot of Public Works Department (PWD).

Judicial notice was taken of the fact that Gonja/Dagbon lands, Damongo lands inclusive, were Skin lands.

Ruling:

The court upheld that the disputed parcel of land is a known demarcated area of the Ghana Highways Authority of which the authority is in active possession as depicted in the approved planning scheme in use for Damongo township.

According to the court, the late Damongo Wura was not cloth with the authority to alienate the disputed parcel of land to the defendant, since it was a known piece of land in possession of the Ghana Highways Authority for a long time and the presence of the institution on the land is captured in the 1989 Master Plan of the Damongo township.

"It cannot be said that the Skin was not aware of the presence of the GHA on the land. It is rightly presumed that the skin had alienated the land to the said state institution.

The skin cannot approbate and reprobate," the court noted in its ruling.

In the view of the court, the Skin as at the time of the purported alienation of the said parcel of land to the defendant did not have the land to alienate and what one does not have one cannot give as in the maxim, "nemo dat quod non habet."

Information available to this reporter indicates that the defendant,Gyimah Ibrahim is dissatisfied with the judgement of the District Court on grounds that Mr. Daniel Amarlai Quarcoo, a non lawyer, did not have the capacity to issue a writ and conduct the case on behalf of the Plaintiff/Respondent among others. 

He has since filed an appeal through his lawyers.

The defendant has also filled a motion for stay of execution, praying the court to stay the execution of its judgement pending the hearing and determination of the appeal lodged against same upon the grounds as contained in the supporting affidavit.

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

Executive Director of CRIS launches re-entry policy for teenage mothers and non pregnancy related girls in Savannah Region

Executive Director of CRIS launches re-entry policy for teenage mothers and non pregnancy related girls in Savannah Region

As part of efforts to get teenage mothers and non pregnancy related girls back to school, whilst working to equip them with employable skills for life,  the Executive Director of Centre for Rural Improvement Services (CRIS) has announced the introduction of a re-entry policy for teenage mothers in the Savannah Region. 

Making the pronouncement on the floor of the house during the first Ordinary General Assembly meeting of the Fourth Session of the Eight Assembly of the West Gonja Municipal Assembly in Damongo,the renowned Executive Director, Amos Mahama Seidu, encouraged Assembly Members to embrace the policy as their own and see to the realization of its objectives in the collective interest.

He said the one year project being funded by DKA, Austra and implemented by Centre for Rural Improvement Services(CRIS) will in the end see to an increased re-entry of drop outs teenage mothers and non pregnancy related girls in schools, their retention and completion in the entire Savannah Region.

According to him, the project will be implemented across some selected districts in the Savannah Region particularly, West Gonja Municipal and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District with a window of extension of the initiative beyond the one year implementation period depending on the success stories and patronage.

He said under a previous project implemented under the same policy, 140 female school drop outs were returned to school.

In responding to a question from the honorable Assembly Member for the Canteen Electoral Area on the nature of the intervention, the Executive Director indicated that the policy comes along support packages for the young girls, ranging from school uniforms,bags, sanitary pads, books among others.

The entire members of the Assembly lauded the initiative as a worthy one for the infant region.

The Assemblyman for the Canteen Electoral Area, honorable Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham urged his colleague Assembly Members to lend the Executive Director and his team the necessary support in their various electoral areas for the realization of the policy objectives.

He indicated that he was privileged to be part of the implementation of the policy some years back, where he acted then as a media liaison person and can attest to the many success stories and life changing opportunities associated with the re-entry policy.

According to him, he was able to encourage most young girls through the project to go back to school and most of them have now successfully completed SHS and further progressed successfully into various tertiary institutions in the country.

The honorable member for Yipala/Nabori Electoral Area and the Assemblyman for the Dass Electoral Area sought for clarifications and described the project as timely and worth supporting.

The Presiding Member of the West Gonja Municipal Assembly, honorable Mumuni Mohammed, pledged the commitment of the Assembly towards the implementation of the project.

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

NDC Presidential Primaries: former Agric minister appeals to delegates in Savannah Region to give ex-president Mahama 100% endorsement

NDC Presidential Primaries: former Agric minister appeals to delegates in Savannah Region to give ex-president Mahama 100% endorsement

The former Food and Agriculture Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Limuna Muniru has urged delegates of the National Democratic Congress in the Savannah Region to give overwhelming endorsement to the candidature of former President John Dramani Mahama as flagbearer of the party ahead of the 2024 polls.

He said ward, branch and constituency executives of the party in the seven constituencies of the Savannah Region, which is the home region of the former president, must endeavor to vote 100% for their worthy son who has proven to the entire world that given the opportunity again, he would drive Ghana back to the path of sustainable progress and prosperity as envisioned.

The Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress in the Damongo constituency, Mumini Yahaha Zambache, popularly known as Kiyoyo who conveyed the plea of the former Agriculture Minister on Damongo based Kasha FM said the former minister holds the strong conviction that the victory of the NDC and John Dramani Mahama in the 2024 polls must start in the Savannah Region.

The young promising NDC communication Officer used the opportunity to highlight what he described as "unprecedented and unrivalled" infrastructural development of the former president in the Savannah Region ranging from school projects, roads, hospitals, electricity extension, water inter alia.

He also touted the human capital development of the former president interms of appointments among others as peerless in the political history of the Savannah Region, stressing that he is God sent to the people of Ghana.

According to him, the party must remain united before, during and after the presidential and parliamentary primaries for the nation's rescue mission in 2024.

The National Democratic Congress has slated its Presidential and Parliamentary Primaries for May 13, 2023.

Former President, John Dramani Mahama who has successfully undergone vetting and placed one on the ballot is in the race with two other contenders - former MCE of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Kojo Bonsu and former Finance Minister, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor to represent the party as presidential candidate for the 2024 general elections.

The fourth candidate, Ernest Kwaku Kobeah, a businessman, withdrew from the contest before the balloting was done and pledged support for former president Mahama who is highly tipped to win the elections with a landslide margin.

Ex-President, John Dramani Mahama who promised to be a unifier, in the last presidential primaries held in February 2019, secured an overwhelming 213,487 votes representing 95.23% of the total votes cast to represent the party with the other six contenders managing the remaining 4.77% of the votes.

In his home region, the newly created Savannah Region, former president John Dramani Mahama polled a massive 5,004 votes out of the total valid votes cast of 5,144, which translates to 97.28 percent to place second in the regional endorsement league table. 

The rest of the candidates distributed the remaining 140 votes, representating 2.72 percent of the total valid votes cast.

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

John Mahama is our son and we're ready to welcome him home as a royal - Spokesperson of newly elected Yagbonwura

John Mahama is our son and we're ready to welcome him home as a royal - Spokesperson of newly elected Yagbonwura 

The Spokesperson of the soon-to-be outdoored Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Chief Benkrowura Seidu Saaka Bakari has indicated the readiness of Gonjaland to welcome home the former president of the Republic of Ghana and aspiring presidential candidate of the NDC, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama as a royal and a  proud son of the Gonja Kingdom.

He said this when a delegation made up of the Savannah Regional Executives of the National Democratic Congress and some Damongo Constituency Executives of the party visited the Jakpa Palace on behalf of the former president to make some donations ahead of the coronation of the new king-elect.

Chief Benkrowura used the occasion to expressed profound gratitude to the former president for the kind gesture and all the support he has been giving to the kingdom.

The delegation led by the Savannah Regional Chairman of the party,Alhaji Moro Seidu alias Man Blessing donated 50 bags of rice, 50 packs of  bottled drinking water, two bags of maize, two bags of dried cassava and a cash amount of Ghc30,000.00.

Alhaji Imoro Seidu, who disclosed that the former president will be present at the Jakpa Palace to grace the occasion called on the committee to feel free to knock on the doors of the former president should they need any further support and he will readily respond to them.

The enskinment ceremony of the new Yagbonwura elect, Soale Mbema Amonebafe Borenyi (1), according to Gonja custom is slated for March 20, 2023, at Nyange with the process beginning on the night of Sunday, 19th March, 2023.

The Coronation is expected to take place on Tuesday, March 21,2023.

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

Subject: Distribution of Teaching Learning Materials (TLMs): Books, Pencils, Crayons, Erasers , Footballs, inter alia to Frafra Resettlement Primary School

Office of Assemblyman

Canteen Electoral Area

09/02/2023

Subject: Distribution of Teaching Learning Materials (TLMs): Books, Pencils, Crayons, Erasers , Footballs, inter alia to Frafra Resettlement Primary School

By the special grace of God, we took our educational interventions for the year 2023 to the Kpiri community!

Together with the PTA/SMC, opinion leaders of Kpiri and Agric Offices, I donated a host of Teaching Learning Materials (TLMs) to the Frafra Resettlement Primary School located at Kpiri in the Canteen Electoral Area.

The materials donated included: Exercise Books, Crayons, Pencils, Erasers, Two (2) Footballs among others. All the students present in school benefited from the package...

It was a moment of tremendous joy and appreciation on the part of parents and students alike as they pledged to put the materials into good/beneficial use.

In the past, we donated school uniforms and a host of TLMs, ranging from teachers table, cupboard, chairs, standard textbooks, school clocks, school bells among others to the Frafra Resettlement Primary School.

I pledge to continue to commit myself to the delivery of quality education in the Canteen Electoral Area by exploiting all necessary avenues.

I want to thank enormously, World Vision Ghana, for the continuous support they have been rendering to our community. More power and resources to your elbows!

I am convinced that together, we can change the face of education in our community and consolidate the gains made! The strive is on!

We all have a role to play.

My sincere appreciation to the chiefs and opinion leaders of Kpiri and Agric Offices for the years of tremendous support and support shown my good self and my administration. I remain grateful and motivated to do more for the community.

Together, we can make progress!

#Canteen Electoral Area on the continuous Rise by grace!

Shalom!

_________________________

Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham (AB)

(Assemblyman)

0241129910/0200704844